As of April 1, Texans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can no longer use those funds to purchase sweetened beverages and candy, a change that advocates say threatens the health and safety of people living with hypoglycemia and diabetes. The restrictions were enacted through Senate Bill 379 to curb unhealthy food consumption, but individuals with these conditions say the ban prevents them from quickly accessing sugar when their blood sugar levels drop dangerously low.
Medical Concerns and Emergency Response
Janell Britton, who works as a substitute teacher and has hypoglycemia, described an incident where she recently experienced symptoms including darkening vision and sweating, and relied on purchasing soda with her SNAP card to prevent losing consciousness. She stated, “By restricting certain foods, it inadvertently sets people such as myself up for an emergency. This is a life-threatening situation and can end badly.” Hypoglycemia and diabetes are conditions caused by issues with the body’s production or regulation of insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Drops in glucose can lead to a diabetic coma, a life-threatening disorder causing unconsciousness.
Alternative Treatment Debate
Health experts offer differing perspectives on the restrictions. Chris Carmona, Texas Diabetes Council Chair, said restricting SNAP purchases is reasonable, noting that “there are effective ways to treat low blood sugar that do not depend on sugary sodas or candy.” Sarah Williams-Blangero, South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute Chair, recommends switching to alternatives such as fruit juice, honey, or glucose tablets. However, Britton explained her preference: “At that moment, when you feel shaky or like you might pass out, you want something that works fast and is easy to take—and for many people, that’s soda.”
Broader Context and Economic Inequality
SNAP feeds about 3.1 million low-income residents, including about 1.5 million children in Texas as of March. An individual qualifies if they make $2,152 a month or less. Experts emphasize that the restrictions create inequitable treatment, as wealthier people with these conditions can purchase the items more easily. Julie Zuniga, a researcher and nursing professor at the University of Texas at Austin, recommended the state address food deserts and increase educational outreach rather than implementing purchase restrictions.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.kxxv.com/news/texas-news/texas-ban-on-sodas-candies-for-snap-benefits-troubles-diabetics-and-hypoglycemics